From what Douglas told him and had told before, it seemed that despite his high position in society, he did not like sticking with his own kind and enjoyed all kinds of company, and Tristan liked and admired him for it.

Good thing he didn't mention working with his shirt of.

Tristan really should take it easy with the drink, because he was feeling the effects and was worried he'd either fall asleep or make a fool of himself if he got more drunk. But he also didn't want to look as if he couldn't handle the drink. Which he couldn't.

"Of course. It's downstairs, on your righthand side. Not the one immediately on your right when you turn." That was the kitchen, and though Pippa would probably show the Earl the way, he didn't want Douglas to startle her by suddenly walking into the kitchen. And he still didn't like the way Pippa had looked at him. "All the way down the hall."